Product Liability Act of 1985
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (May 21, 1985)
Product Liability Act of 1985 - Sets forth uniform national standards for products liability cases.
Preempts inconsistent Federal and State laws. Permits action under this Act to be brought in State court or Federal court if the United States is a party or diversity jurisdiction exists.
Prohibits recovery for other than commercial loss or damage to the product itself, except as otherwise provided in this Act.
Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers other than manufacturers including wholesalers, distributors, retailers, lessors, packagers, and repairers.
Establishes rules relating to proof in products liability cases with respect to Federal Government standards and contract specifications.
Prohibits admission of postmanufacturing improvements except for the purpose of impeaching a witness for the product seller who denies the feasibility of such improvements. Allows a manufacturer to introduce certain precautionary measures.
Provides that all product liability actions shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Provides that comparative damages apply only to compensatory damages.
Requires the reduction of any damage award by the amount of workers' compensation benefits which are paid.
Makes a product seller who acted with flagrant indifference to consumer safety, where the act was an extreme departure from accepted practice, liable for punitive damages.
Establishes a two-year statute of limitations and a ten-year statute of repose.
What just happenedJun 11, 1985
Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law.
Who’s behind it
- Jun 11, 1985CommitteeH11000
Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law.
Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust Subcommittee - May 23, 1985CommitteeH11000
Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.
Health and Environment Subcommittee - May 21, 1985IntroReferralH11100
Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.
Judiciary Committee - May 21, 1985IntroReferralH11100
Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Energy and Commerce Committee - May 21, 1985IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- May 21, 1985IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House